Time-control mechanism for radioreceivers



Patented May 17, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT B. SCHULTHEIS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

TIME-CONTROL MECHANISM FOR RADIOBEQEIVERS.

My invention, relates to mechanism, prele erably in the form of an attachment applicable to a standard radio receiver,for effect.

upon the cabinet of a standard radio re ceiver, to ether with other fittings or connections etachably applicable to theracho receiver by means of which the operation of theialarmmechanism operates the controlling switch of theradio receiver to open'or close the switch circuit and start or stop rc- =ception of abroadcast .or other radio signal ofthe frequencynto which the receiver is tuned.

Usually I prefer to so'arrafige the mechanism thatit o erates.to.-start the receiver, but after cbnsiderin the following description it. will;.be evi out that by simple re arrangement-ofparts themechanism will be efiectiv'erto .stopthe receiver, that is, to discontinue-reception. I 7 v The'charactenstics and advantages of the invention arm-further sufficiently. explained I in conn'ectiomwiththefollowing detail de' scription of} the accompanying drawing, which shows-one representative embodiment:

" of the invention. "After consideringthis example; skilled. persons will understand that as manyvariations may-be made, and I contemplate theemployment of any structures that 'are properly within the scope of the pppendedclaims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in perspective of one end of a typical or standard radio receiver with my time control mechanism or attachment, in one form,- applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail.

Fig. 4 is a detail ofa modified switch levers Preferably,'I provide timing mechanism in' the form of a. standard alarm clock 1 which is secured to a base board 2 in any convenient way, as by a clamping strap 3.

At its rear edge the base board has a depending flange 4. The alarm winding key 5 or its shaft is provided with a pulley G and a cord 7 is secured to and wound upon the pulley.

The radio receiver R, representing any known or standard type of such apparatus, has any known or common type of starting switch S. the function of which is to close and open (usually) the filament circuit and so to render the receiver operative or inoperative. These switches are of different types. The type shown is an ordinary push-pull switch such as is employed in many radio receivers and it will be evident that the mechanism or attachments hereafter described may readily be modified to actuate switches of other types, such as turn or toggle switches. The push-pull switch S is usually secured to the radio panel 1 by a knurled nut 10. This nut may be removed and a fulcrum bracket 11 constituting part of my invention applied. This bracket has a base 12 aperturedto fit around the projecting switch sleeve and the'base is then secured against the panel by reapplying nut 10 andturning it uptight. The

switch stem terminating in the knob or button 13 reciprocates through the switch sleeve. A clamp 14 is detachably applied or connected to the switch knob or button and is also connected-by a link l5ito the lower end of lever 16 which is fulcrumed between flanges 17 of the horizontally extending part ofbracket 11. The upper endofthe 1e ver-is connected to cord 7 above; mentioned, and

the cord between pulley 6. and the vlever, is guided or directed in any convenient way, for example, by one or more pulleys 20, these pulleys 0r cord guides being arranged as necessary or convenientto properly direct the cord and. apply the pull provided by rotation of the alarm winding key 5 or its stem through the cord to the lover.

The parts such as the clip or clamp 14, bracket 11 and lever '16. may vary considerably. Conveniently, they. arev formed of sheet metal. The switch clamp 14 has jaws 2.1 notched to embrace and fitabout theposition of the switch S. The rear flange 4 then prevents forward displacement of the clock and its base under the influence of the cord pull. I

It is usually desired to start the receiver at a pre-determined time for the reception of a certain program from a broadcast or other radio transmitting station. The receiver is of course, tuned to the station frequency or wave-length. The alarm indicator of the clock 1 is set for a time just previous to commencement of the transmission by the broadcast or other station, or to a time at which it is desired to begin the reproduction of the transmitted program. The alarm wind key is then turned to wind up the alarm mechanism and in this operation the cord 7 may be drawn off of the pulley 6 with accompanying outward move ment of the upper end of lever 16 to permit. the switch knob 13 to bepushed in so that the receiver is in inoperative condition. Then at the appointed time the alarm mechanism trips the alarm; the alarm wind key 5 or its stem revolves, cord 7 is wound upon the pulley 6 and the cord pulley controlled by the guides such as pulley 2.0, is applied to the upper end of the lever, the lower end of which is thus moved outward and clamp 14 acting upon the switch knob pulls outthe switch and starts the radio receiver to reproduce the transmitted program.

Evidently if the switch S is so arranged that it will break the receiver controlling circuit when pulled out, the described operation will serve to stop reception instead of starting it; otherwise, with the switch arranged as usual to open the circuit when it is pushed in, the lever and linkage arrangement may be so modified that operation of theclock mechanism will push the switch stem in and stop reception.

An important feature of the mechanism, as shown 'and'described, is that it is arranged as an attachment so that the various parts may be easily and quickly applied to a standard radio receiver without altering the receiver mechanism or injuring it in any way, and especially the clock with its base and base flange may be easily applied by merely placing it upon the receiver in the position shown, and it may' be as easily removed if, for example, itis desired to raise.

the top of the receiver cabinet to gain access to the interior.

A standard alarm clock is desirably employed, because such clocks are easily procurable at low cost and the entire apparatus therefore may evidently be economically made and sold at a moderate price.

Evidently a small number of turns of the pulley is sufficient to eli'ect desired movement of the receiver switch. Thereafter, by reason of connection of the lever to the switch knob taut-ness of the cord it is impossible for the alarm winder to rotate fur- (he-r. 'Jherel'ore the audible alarm mechanism of the clock will give only a short signal continuing up to the time when the receiver is "turned on and then the audible alarm clock signal is discontinued by *preventing further rotation of the alarm winder. In this way the invention prevents annoyance that would otherwise be caused by continuation of the alarm signal after the rmlio-receiver is in operation.

Fig. 4; shows a lever 16 applied to the knob 13 ot' a rotarv or turn switch. In his case the cord 1 may go from the lever and over the upper edge of the cabinet, to the guide 24), and thence to the pulley.

I claim:

Time control mechanism readily applicable to and removable from a cabinet containing electrical apparatus, said cabinet having a movable switch element on its front wall, said mechanism comprising clock mechanism having alarm means including an alarm winder, a base for said'clock mechanism adapted to rest uponthe top otsaid cabinet, a depending flange connected to the base and adapted to engage against the rear of said cabinet and resist forward displacement of the base and the clock mechanism thereon, and a pulley km the alarm winder, a cord connected to the pulley, a lever arranged for connection to said switch ele' ment and also connected to the cord, and cord guides, whereby rotation of the alarm winder winds the cord upon the pulley and operates the lover to move. said switch element.

Signed at New York city in the county of New York and State of New York this 19th day of August A: D. 1926.

ROBERT B. SCHULTHEIS. 

